Size and frequency of occurrence of pre-roost gatherings of starlings

One hundred and fifty-six pre-roost gatherings of starlings were observed at 28 sites around a roost in west Norfolk during winter. Pre-roost gatherings occurred more frequently at individual farmyards compared with individual fields, but 82% of the sites where gatherings occurred were on fields. The size of gatherings was greater, the closer to the roost. Birds in pre-roost gatherings on fields of autumn-sown winter wheat spent most of the time feeding and had a diet composed almost exclusively of wheat seeds. Birds in gatherings on grass fields also fed intensively whereas only 31% of birds at farmyards were feeding. The implications that these results have with regard to potential damage to fields of winter wheat and around farmyards are discussed.